South Africa is a large country. Your goods may be handled many times by many different hands before it gets to the end destination. Please ensure for your benefit that the box/carton you choose to package your goods in is the correct size for the item you are sending. There are different sized boxes for a reason. Choose a box that has enough room for your item and some protective packaging. Also try and package heavy items into smaller boxes (preferably double-walled boxes) and lightweight bulkier items into larger boxes.
The box/carton must be sturdy and robust and preferably 'corrugated' with flaps intact. Never use boxes that are damaged, thin, old, worn or damp; and never use fruit boxes or miscellaneous boxes from a supermarket.
Don't make the carton too heavy. This may cause issues in a few ways:
The carton may break at the bottom,
Sortation staff in depots may drop it accidentally (because they've underestimated the weight),
Your carton may be loaded into the 'bulk freight' section of a vehicle which means your carton sits amongst heavy and large freight, with the possibility of damage increasing.
If it is a heavy carton, mark it as 'HEAVY' in bold writing and write the weight next to it. For Occupational Health and Safety reasons, most transport companies require a maximum liftable weight per item of 17kgs. If you have a carton weighing more than 17kg, consider breaking it down into 2 items (each less than 17kgs). Businesses may consider strapping a carton heavier than 17kgs to a skid (i.e. a small version of a pallet), enabling staff to utilise forklifts to lift the item. If you cannot break the carton down, you should have someone available at the pickup and delivery addresses to help the driver load/unload the item.
If you still have the original box for a product then it is recommended to use it. Especially if you still have the original polystyrene protection that came with the box (as this packaging was specifically designed to protect the product).
If you have to re-use an old box, make sure that all old bar-coded labels or address labels have been completed removed to avoid sortation issues and delays to your goods. Also ensure there are no holes/tears or corner dents that could ultimately weaken the box during transport.

When sending your goods around South Africa with a courier/freight company, your items will be handled numerous times before they arrive to the destination. There are major differences between a furniture removalist company and a courier/freight company.
Furniture removalists generally take a full load from your home/office to the destination in the same truck. Your goods may be handled 2-4 times from pickup to delivery.
If you are sending across South Africa (or even within your state) with a courier/freight company, your goods may be loaded and unloaded anywhere from 4-15 times in and out of up to 5 different trucks or rail containers. Hence it is extremely important to package your goods well for the rigorous journey that they are about to take.
A sturdy box/carton is your first requirement, then the way you package your goods is also important:
Don't Overload the Box
Don't overload the box with too many items or too much weight. It's always better to package multiple items individually (if possible) and use more than one box if required. This way each individual item can receive the benefit of proper protection from packaging material and the box.
Original Packaging Material/Boxes
Sending equipment such as DVD players, TV's, computers and electrical equipment is best sent in its original packaging and box. If you don't have this, then you can purchase packaging material and boxes from storage companies such as Kennards, Millers, Storage King, etc; or look for 'packaging companies' in your local town. Bubble-wrap is a must for sensitive or fragile items.
Using Household Packaging Material
If you don't want to go to the expense of purchasing packaging material, a last resort is to use shredded paper or scrunched up newspaper. The problem with this type of packaging material is it does not hold its shape and can become compacted during transportation. This creates a void inside the box which can jeopardize the integrity of the box and make it more likely to become crushed or open-up during transit.
Cushioning the Contents
Whatever packaging material is used, ensure there is enough cushioning material around the item/s so they don't move if the box is shaken or bumped. A recommendation is to cushion with at least 5-8 centimetres of packaging material all around the item (fragile items require more cushioning). Quite often during a long journey in a truck, there will be 'shunting' when the truck stops. Cushioning is very important to stop shock from the outside, passing through to the contents causing damage (this is especially the case for fragile items). A recommendation in the transport industry is that all items are packaged to withstand a one metre drop.
Securing the Box
Proper closure of the box is essential for safe transportation. Use a 'wide' pressure sensitive plastic tape (this can be purchased from storage or packaging companies). Do not use masking tape, Scotch tape, duct tape or string. When taping the box, ensure you go all the way around the box and along the seals (particularly for re-used or old boxes) to stop the box opening during transit.

When you have packaged your goods ready for transport, the next step is to address them correctly to ensure they arrive at the destination and on-time.
Firstly if the goods are fragile, ensure you mark the carton as FRAGILE with either coloured Fragile Tape (which can be purchased from packaging supply stores or stationery retail outlets like Officeworks), or write FRAGILE on the box in a distinctive location with a coloured marker pen. You want your item to 'stand out' so sortation staff in transport depots notice your goods and its fragile nature.
Secondly if you are re-using second hand boxes, make sure there are no old address labels or old barcode identifier labels on the box. This will lead to confusion with sortation staff/drivers and will delay or cause issues with your delivery.
Depending on the transport company you use, most will require you to complete a consignment-note/docket for the delivery. The consignment-note is the vital piece of information the company needs to effect correct delivery. You will need to complete information such as:
- sender's name/address and postcode/contact name/phone number,
- receiver's name/address and postcode/contact name/phone number,
- the number of items sent,
- the weight of each item,
- the dimensions of each item,
- the type of transport service you require (e.g. road freight, air freight, local courier, overnight satchel, international, etc),
- and finally you need to sign and date the consignment-note.
Consignment-notes will usually have a:
- Sender's copy,
- Receiver's Copy
- Proof of Delivery copy
(and sometimes a Head office/Charge copy).
These days, nearly all transport companies will have a barcode on their consignment-notes to enable tracking services for customers. Although the promise of tracking exists with many carriers, the actual truth is that many small towns in regional or rural areas aren't tracked electronically due to small depots and agents not having 'hand-held electronic scanners' available to scan the consignment-note barcodes. Although this means electronic tracking is not always available, most carriers have other 'manual' manifest systems available in these regional areas to inform customers of their goods whereabouts or ETA if required.
If you have more than one item in a consignment delivery (to one receiver), place the consignment-notes/labels in the same place on each item, especially if all items are identical. This makes it easy for the sortation staff in depots to know where to look for the receiver address as they are sorting freight. Do not place the consignment-note/address label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing tape. It is also a good idea to add a sheet of paper with your name and phone number and the receiver address inside the carton in case the consignment-note/address label on the outside of the box comes off during transit.

ITEM TYPE

BEST PACKAGING METHOD

PACKAGING TIP

Artwork/Sculptures

We cannot transport artwork, sculptures or paintings

Baked Goods

We cannot transport Baked Goods

BBQ

CARTON/BOX/FLAT PACK

We can only transport bbq's that are packaged in their original packaging and box or at least wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box.

Beds

FLAT PACKED

Must be flat-packed as we cannot carry assembled furniture. You need to contact a furniture removalist for assembled furniture.

Bicycle/Bike

FLAT PACKED

Preferably in a customised bike carton/box, otherwise disassembled and wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box.

Blinds

TUBE/ROLL

Blinds should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap inside the tube. If a roll, the blinds should be wrapped in bubblewrap then corrugated cardboard.

Books

CARTON/BOX

Package tightly with padding around the books inside a strong sturdy box.

Car Panels/Boots/Bumper Bars

CARTON/BOX or CRATE

Must be packaged with foam/padding inside a strong sturdy panel carton or box. Suitable packaging and cartons/boxes can usually be sourced from smash repairers/wrecking yards.

Cars

We do not transport automobiles.

Chair/s

CARTON/BOX

We can only transport smaller chairs if they are well packaged inside a strong sturdy box.

Clothing

CARTON/BOX

We do not provide a hanging fashion service. Clothing must be packaged in cartons/boxes.

Coins/Gold/Cash/Bonds

We cannot transport coins, gold, cash or bonds

Computer/Laptop/Electronic/Photographic Equipment

CARTON/BOX

Should be packaged in their original packaging and box if possible. Otherwise they must be wrapped in layers of bubble wrap and foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box. For security reasons, you should consider removing any identifying markings of what is inside the box or wrap the outside of the box in plain brown paper and wrap tightly.

Cot

FLAT PACKED

Be sure to use lots of packaging (bubblewrap/foam) around the cot inside the flat pack/box.

Crockery

We cannot transport crockery

Cutlery

CARTON/BOX

Should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside a sturdy strong box.

DVD player

CARTON/BOX

Should be packaged in it's original packaging and box if possible. Otherwise they must be wrapped in layers of bubble wrap and foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box. For security reasons, you should consider removing any identifying markings of what is inside the box or wrap the outside of the box in plain brown paper and wrap tightly.

DVD's/CD's

CARTON/BOX

Should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside a sturdy strong box.

Dangerous/Hazardous Goods

Engines

CARTON/BOX or CRATE

Engines under 35kgs must be packaged with foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box. Engines over 35kgs must be packaged with foam/padding inside a totally enclosed wooden crate. PLEASE NOTE: ALL FLUIDS MUST BE DRAINED FROM THE ENGINE. IF SOILING OCCURS TO OTHER CUSTOMERS GOODS OR A PICKUP/LINEHAUL/DELIVERY VEHICLE DUE TO A LEAK, YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR REIMBURSEMENT/REPAIR OF THE SOILED GOODS OR CLEANING EXPENSES FOR THE VEHICLE.

Furniture

FLAT PACKED

Furniture must be disassembled and wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside the flat pack. WE DO NOT TRANSPORT FULLY ASSEMBLED FURNITURE OR UN-PACKAGED FURNITURE.

Gearbox

CARTON/BOX OR CRATE

Gearboxes under 35kgs must be packaged with foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box. Gearboxes over 35kgs must be packaged with foam/padding inside a totally enclosed wooden crate. PLEASE NOTE: ALL FLUIDS MUST BE DRAINED FROM THE GEARBOX. IF SOILING OCCURS TO OTHER CUSTOMERS GOODS OR A PICKUP/LINEHAUL/DELIVERY VEHICLE DUE TO A LEAK, YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR REIMBURSEMENT/REPAIR OF THE SOILED GOODS OR CLEANING EXPENSES FOR THE VEHICLE.

Gift/s

CARTON/BOX

For fragile items, make sure lots of bubblewrap and padding is used around the items inside a strong sturdy outer carton/box.

Glass Items

We cannot transport glass items

Golf Clubs/Golf Bags

CARTON/BOX

Golf clubs/bags should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and then sent inside a strong sturdy box to provide protection and security during transit. You may be able to source a suitable box for clubs or a golf bag from a local retail golf shop.

Heater

CARTON/BOX

Oil heaters need to be drained before being packaged. All heaters should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box.

Homewares

CARTON/BOX

For fragile items, make sure lots of bubblewrap and padding is used around the items inside a strong sturdy outer carton/box.

Jewellery

We cannot transport jewellery

Kitchenware

CARTON/BOX

For fragile items, make sure lots of bubblewrap and padding is used around the items inside a strong sturdy outer carton/box.

Liquids

We cannot transport liquids

Livestock/Animals

We cannot transport livestock or animals.

Luggage/Suitcase

CARTON/BOX

If the luggage/suitcase is made of strong durable material, it can be sent as is. If not, it should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and corrugated cardboard and sent inside a strong sturdy box.

Motor Accessories/Panels

CARTON/BOX

We can only transport small motor accessories that are under 35kgs. ?They must be packaged into a sturdy box (bubblewrap and corrugated cardboard alone will not be accepted). The items MUST be drained of all fluids (oil, transmission fluids, etc). If soiling occurs to other customers goods, you will be charged for repair/reimbursement.

Motor Parts/Diffs/Towbars

CARTON/BOX OR CRATE

Motor parts under 35kgs must be packaged with foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box. Motor parts over 35kgs must be packaged with foam/padding inside a totally enclosed wooden crate. PLEASE NOTE: ALL FLUIDS MUST BE DRAINED FROM MOTOR PARTS. IF SOILING OCCURS TO OTHER CUSTOMERS GOODS OR A PICKUP/LINEHAUL/DELIVERY VEHICLE DUE TO A LEAK, YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR REIMBURSEMENT/REPAIR OF THE SOILED GOODS OR CLEANING EXPENSES FOR THE VEHICLE.

Motorbike/Scooter

We do not transport motorbikes or scooters.

Musical Instruments

CARTON/BOX

Musical instruments need to be in their hard case and wrapped in many layers of bubblewrap. The case should then be sent inside a strong sturdy box to provide protection and security during transit.

Paint

We cannot transport paint (dangerous or non-dangerous)

Paintings

We cannot transport paintings or artwork

Perfume

We cannot transport perfume

Picture/Picture Frame

We cannot transport pictures/picture frames

Pram/Stroller

CARTON/BOX

Prams/strollers should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and padding inside a strong sturdy box. (Bubblewrap and/or corrugated cardboard around the pram/stroller without a box is not sufficient.)

Printer/Scanner/Fax Machine

CARTON/BOX

Preferably in original packaging material and box if possible. Otherwise the item should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box.

Shower Screens

We cannot transport showerscreens or glass products.

Ski's

CARTON/BOX OR TUBE

Ski's should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and/or corrugated cardboard and sent inside a strong sturdy box or packaging tube.

Surfboard/Wakeboard

CARTON/BOX

Surfboards should have the fins removed and the board should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box. Wrapping the board in bubblewap or corrugated cardboard alone is not sufficient.

TV

CARTON/BOX

Should be packaged in it's original packaging and box if possible. Otherwise the TV must be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside a strong sturdy box. For security reasons, you should consider removing any identifying markings of what is inside the box or wrap the outside of the box in plain brown paper and wrap tightly.

Tent/Camping Equipment

CARTON/BOX

Tents and camping equipment must be packaged inside a sturdy box. If there is any fragile equipment, it should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside the box.

Tools/Toolbox

CARTON/BOX

Ensure a strong sturdy box is used to protect the toolbox in transit.

Toys

CARTON/BOX

Should be wrapped in layers of bubblewrap and foam/padding inside a sturdy strong box.

Tyre

CARTON/BOX

Wheels/tyres should preferably be packaged in sturdy cartons/boxes to provide protection and security during transport. If you do not have suitable boxes available, layers of shrinkwrap (pallet plastic wrapping) or bubblewrap around the individual items should be sufficient but ensure they are tightly wrapped with no loose wrapping.

Vase

We cannot transport vases.

Wheel/Mag

CARTON/BOX

Wheels/mags should preferably be packaged in sturdy cartons/boxes to provide protection and security during transport. If you do not have suitable boxes available, layers of shrinkwrap (pallet plastic wrapping) or bubblewrap around the individual items should be sufficient but ensure they are tightly wrapped with no loose wrapping.

Windows/Glass Frames

We cannot transport windows or glass frames.

Wine/Spirits/Liquids

We cannot transport wine/spirits or liquids

Please note The Courier Guy is NOT responsible for packaging. Please ensure your parcel is sufficiently packaged for handling and any necessary cargo transfers (SAA/Linehaul). No claims will be entertained for insufficient packaging.